It started today, but I’m only just learning about the Toronto Black Film Festival, which is why this press release is being posted on the day the festival begins.

But for our readers in the Toronto area (and I know there are more than a few), if you didn’t already know about this, now you know! The festival runs from today, through the 17th.

Within the lineup, you’ll find several films that we’ve covered in the last 12 months, and a few that we haven’t. Needless to say, I’ll be researching those that we haven’t, to highlight individually in separate posts.

But to the festival directors, congratulations of your first year! It’s an impressive line-up considering it’s your inaugural festival; I especially dig the Nollywood Special section.

Kudos, and we’ll be watching from here on!

Toronto – January 29, 2013 – The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) announced today the line-up for the inaugural festival running from February 13th- 17th.. TBFF is proud to celebrate diversity within the black community through films that matter. With exciting films from all over the world, an online program, an industry panel and parties, the first edition of the TBFF shines a cinematic spotlight on Toronto’s Black History Month celebrations. TBFF will open with Kenya’s official selection for this year’s Oscars, NAIROBI HALF LIFE, playing February 13th at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by Global Toronto, the Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. Building on the three year relationship between Global Montreal and the Montreal International Black Film Festival, TBFF connects black films to viewers of all colours and ethnic origins. We recognize the differences that make us unique and celebrate the shared values that bring us together. Films illuminate, entertain and invite audiences to see the world from another person’s experience. Coming together through art allows members of all cultural communities to better understand one another.

“2013 commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech and also marks the 2nd term of the First American Black President, Barack Obama! We couldn’t think of a better year to inaugurate the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF)” – stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Festival.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the first-ever Toronto Black Film Festival and to help provide a platform for viewers to watch, engage, and be moved by the power of film,” says Ward Smith, Senior Director, Eastern Region, Global News. “Global Toronto’s partnership with the TBFF represents our continuing desire to tell a wide array of unique and interesting stories.”

Programming Director Emile Castonguay presented the slate for this year’s festival, which includes a wide range of genres and Canada’s Oscar nominated selection for Best Foreign Language Film.

A young, aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming a success in the big city. In pursuit of this and to the chagrin of his brother and parents, he makes his way to Nairobi: the city of opportunity. He finds himself drawn into a world of small time crooks and deceit in the smoky bustle of Kenya’s capital. Naïve and filled with hope, he quickly learns why the city is nicknamed “Nairobbery”. His life will quickly take an unexpected turn.

LAST FLIGHT TO ABUJA – CLOSING FILM

Royal Cinema – Sunday, February 17, 2013 – 7PM – $10

Obi Emelonye – Nigeria | UK | 2012 / 81’ – English

Based on true events… A set of everyday Nigerian travelers board the last Flamingo Airways flight scheduled to fly from Lagos to Abuja on a fateful Friday night in 2006. Young lovers, an elderly couple, a corporate party, a sportsman on the threshold of greatness; all the passengers are caught up in the nightmare scenario and sense the final moments of their lives approach. All except one. What does he know? Will they survive… the last flight to Abuja?

In addition to the great films presented, movie-goers will also be able to enjoy an open panel discussion at Carlton Cinema and an online program with a wide variety of films at Zupim.com. Zupim is an online video service that offers you unlimited independent content for a symbolic contribution! Its Black History Month Special includes Comedies, Dramas, Documentaries, Biographies, Concerts and movies about Slavery, Voodoo, Human Rights, Music, Haiti’s earthquake and More…

PANEL DISCUSSION

ZUPIM TALK SERIES – TAKING THE LEAP: From Film Festival to TV or Movie Theatre

Free admission for everyone.

Breaking through to the next level can be extremely difficult and sometimes scary. A panel of black Canadian filmmakers on the move will share their wealth of knowledge and experience. They will discuss challenges regarding diversity in the industry, having a voice, and authenticity in their storylines. Learn about the obstacles they’ve faced on their journey to successfully take their projects from film festivals to a larger audience.

Join us for the Toronto Black Film Festival for five days of inspiring, provocative, and entertaining cinema.

VENUES, TICKETS AND PASSES

VENUES

Films will screen at the TIFF Bell Light Box (Opening Film only – 350 King Street West), the Royal Cinema (608 College Street) and the Carlton Cinema (20 Carlton Street).

BOX OFFICE

Passport card and individual tickets are available in person at the theatre, or at www.torontoblackfilm.com.

Passport card: $95

Opening Night: $15

Regular tickets and Closing Night: $10

Open Panel Discussion: Free admission

Online program at zupim.com (for all): Starting at $10

TBFF – MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

Cool, international, independent, politically incorrect and eye-opening, the 1st Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is about discovery. TBFF showcases the most outstanding and most powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues.